Halal Slaughtering

Halal slaughter is how animals are slaughtered for Muslim consumption. This form of sacrifice aims to minimize the suffering of the animal at the time of slaughter since Allah (God) has commanded humans to slaughter animals with humanity and respect, in a way that causes less suffering to them, because when they suffer they release corticosteroids (stress hormones) that are transmitted to the meat. 

The ritual of sacrifice should be practiced ethically, following the Laws of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and his companions.

Requirements for slaughter:

• During the slaughter, the Tasmiyah (bismillah Allahu Akbar) is uttered: In the name of God, God is greater. 

• The cut needs to be unique and precise, thus the need for a very sharp knife, in order to reach the structures all at once. 

• This cut must reach the four structures in the neck region, which are the esophagus, trachea, jugular veins, and carotid arteries. This is a necessary condition for halal slaughter to occur. The cut in these structures facilitates the draining of blood from the animal's body and the draining time is respected in order to guarantee total bleeding. 

• Halal slaughter is performed separately from non-Halal slaughter;

• The animals, to be slaughtered, must be healthy and approved by the competent health authorities.

• The animal, to be slaughtered, must be in perfect physical condition.

• Slaughter shall be performed only by a mentally healthy Muslim who fully understands the basis of the rules and conditions related to slaughtering animals in Islam.

• The slaughter will be done with intention and the bleeder must be fully aware of his action.

• The equipment and utensils used in Halal slaughtering are exclusive for this type of cutting.

• The depletion of blood must be spontaneous and complete.

• The trained Muslim inspector has the responsibility to check that the animals are slaughtered correctly, according to Sharia (Islamic jurisprudence).

• The slaughtered poultry can only be scalded, after the confirmation of death by Halal slaughter.